George Nigh

Former Oklahoma Governor George Patterson Nigh, an admired statesman, devoted public servant, educator, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, at the age of 98.

Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on June 9, 1927, George was the son of Wilbur and Irene Crockett Nigh. He graduated from McAlester High School and served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he attended East Central State College in Ada, where he earned a degree in education and began a lifelong dedication to public service.

In 1950, at the age of 22, George Nigh was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, beginning a distinguished career in serving Oklahoma that would span 70 years. He later served as Oklahoma’s 8th Lieutenant Governor for an unprecedented 16 years, from 1959 to 1963 and again from 1967 to 1979. In 1959, he briefly assumed the role of acting governor when J. Howard Edmondson resigned, becoming the youngest in state history to hold the office, serving for nine days. He became governor a second time in 1978 when Governor David Boren left office five days early. He was inaugurated for his first elected term in January 1979. Upon reelection in 1982, he became the first governor in Oklahoma history to be reelected to a second consecutive term, and the first gubernatorial candidate to carry all 77 counties.

His administration was marked by a deep commitment to bipartisan cooperation, economic development and tourism, education, public infrastructure, and increasing minority representation in state leadership. Known for his approachable manner, infectious enthusiasm, and intentionality in his relationships, he was widely respected by Oklahomans from all backgrounds. In his campaigns, he wore a white hat as a symbol of his commitment to integrity, and throughout all his endeavors, he remained guided by the values of service, optimism, kindness, and respect.

Following his time in office, Governor Nigh continued his commitment to education and civic engagement by serving as president of the University of Central Oklahoma from 1992 to 1997.

George was a proud ambassador for the state of Oklahoma, both nationally and internationally, and he carried with him a deep love for its people and its future. He is the greatest booster Oklahoma has ever known, beginning with the bill he introduced in 1953 making "Oklahoma!," the title song from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical, the official state song. Since then, he worked tirelessly to make Oklahoma a better state, scheduling meetings and calls to positively influence the future right up until his final days.

George was renowned throughout the state and nation as a powerful storyteller and speaker. For more than 75 years, he delivered at least one commencement address annually, challenging students to honor the gift of living in Oklahoma and to create a better future for their communities. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his leadership and kindness.

George was fortunate to meet Donna Skinner Mashburn in 1963 and married her on October 19 of the same year. Their love and true partnership were evident to all who knew them. George often said, with a twinkle in his eye, that she was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. While his dedication to public service was profound, his love for and commitment to his family was even greater—he was an extraordinary father and ‘Daddy George,’ and a fiercely devoted husband.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Irene Crockett Nigh; brothers William, Sam, and Wib Nigh; and his son Michael Mashburn. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna; his sister Mary Cargill; his daughter Georgeann Nigh Duty and her husband Steve; his daughter-in-law Suzy Mashburn; his former daughter-in-law Mara Kerr; his grandchildren Ayla Mashburn, Graycen Mashburn and his wife Whitney and daughters Tyler, Aubrey, and Caroline, Berry Mashburn and his fiancé Katie Klassen, Chase Mashburn and his wife Lauren, Macy Nigh DeVenny and her husband Miller and son Gordon Thomas Nigh, Stephanie Duty Roberts and her husband Dennis and daughters Henley and Campbell and son Briggs, and Josh Duty and his wife Kristina and daughters Emery and Ellie; and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and former colleagues.

Governor Nigh will lie in state at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday, August 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Governor Nigh’s life will be held Thursday, August 14, at 11 a.m. at Crossings Community Church, located at 14600 N. Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Governor Nigh’s memory to the Donna Nigh Foundation at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, occf.org, 1000 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 or to the Children’s Health Foundation, chfkids.com, 1001 N.W. 63rd Street, Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

The Nigh family wishes to thank the many Oklahomans who have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of George’s remarkable life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.